Bits and pieces that might inform, inspire, disrupt or entertain - from John May

Smitten

Published May 3, 2008

I’ll be frank. I don’t normally like babies. They are unpredictable, fragile creatures that seem to cry all the time and frighten middle aged men like me.

Everything changed today, when I met my nephew for the first time. Jack-Patrick May, newly arrived with his mum and dad from Australia, is perhaps the most perfect and wonderful person who has ever existed – or is ever likely to exist. He smiles and giggles. He has the most beautiful personality. He is fascinated by every new thing he discovers.

Of course, I don’t have to get up at four in the morning, change nappies or deal with him when he’s grouchy. But I think I’d do all of those things willingly, if I were asked to do so by his understandably doting parents. I am completely smitten.